Category Archives: Pergola builder/contractor

Deck builder, Pergola builder/contractor

With Minimal Design Changes, A New Wooden Deck In Macon’s Historic District Rises To The Occasion

Reminiscent of the adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, comes this tale of a new deck replacement in the charming confines of the historic district of Macon in Central Georgia.

Macon Deck Builders

Having served its originally intended purpose for more than 20 years, this revered wooden deck needed to be replaced for a multitude of reasons: among them structural integrity, the appearance, and outdated access functionality.

before
Before

The challenge was that working in the Historic District of Macon meant that any remodels have to abide by certain criteria. On this deck update replacement and upgrade project, we were able to rebuild and improve upon the deck. But – and it’s a big but – we could not amend the design in such a way that it would be visible from the street.

Macon custom deck builders
After.

So, we made minimal design changes that would stay within those guidelines but still deliver a magnificent outdoor structure that would function well, look great, and stand the test of time.

The Beauty And Durability Of Real Wood Cannot Be Denied

Emulating the structural design bones of its predecessor, this new multi-level backyard deck replacement was meticulously crafted out of premium pressure-treated pine.

With our credo of better building by design, and adhering to the strictest construction principles there are, we made doubly sure that the substructure was built extremely strong and brought the deck up to all the current codes.

Creating Better Access With This Next Generation Of Wood Decking

When compared to the Before images, you can see our team redesigned the stair area. Where there was one staircase, we modified the design to now include a landing with staircases flanking both left and right – a minimal visible change but a strategically sound one.

Macon custom deck builders

For greater aesthetic appeal with its resulting shadow patterns cast from the sun – and adding the function of partial shade – we also added the charming pressure-treated pine pergola overhead.

Staying true to the homeowner’s wishes, the entire project was built using pressure-treated pine.

Macon custom deck and pergola builders

Speaking of better access, a measure of privacy and protection was included in the redesign with the addition of two gates – one at each stairway base at ground level.

What’s In Your Outdoor Living Future For A Backyard Improvement?

As we all seem to be spending more quality time outdoors, adding quality structures to support and enhance your outdoor living may well be in order.

To help navigate you toward what spaces may best fulfill that need, please feel free to connect with us for a complimentary design consultation. You can do that right here.

John Haugabook
John Haugabook of Archadeck of Cenral GA.
Pergola builder/contractor

A Pergola Is The Perfect Fit For THis North Macon Homeowners!

Have you ever looked at your existing backyard space, or lack of, and think “I wish” or “I should have”? Chances are likely that as a homeowner, you have desires, or even regret, about an aspect of your home or landscape that you would like to change or would have designed differently if given the chance.  This week’s feature story serves as the perfect example of an existing outdoor living space that just needed the custom elements that Archadeck is known for. 

North Macon Deck Buiiders

Archadeck of Central GA makes your backyard different by design!

Part of the reason Archadeck of Central GA has so many satisfied customers is the way we listen to our client’s needs and offer a customized solution that speaks to those needs. Case in point is our most recent project in North Macon. 

Before
Backyard area before Archadeck of Central GA began the project.

These clients reached out to Archadeck to recommend a custom shade solution for their existing backyard deck and patio space.  They knew that the area needed help, but was uncertain of exactly what they wanted. Their existing patio was unbearable to grill on or utilize in the afternoon due to its proximity to the afternoon sun. In addition, their existing wooden deck was in need of replacement. 

It all began with a pergola!

The homeowners had already started thinking about the possibility of adding a pergola over the patio as a way to beat the heat! After addressing the issues of their current space, Archadeck of Central GA offered a dual-phased solution which tackled the shade solution and bringing the existing deck into the 21st century. 

North Macon pergola and deck builders

Indeed, adding a new pergola served as the perfect fit for the patio to provide shade since the placement of the patio was almost due north.  Archadeck installed a stunning wooden pergola featuring beefy 8 x 8 posts and decorative ogee’ ends.

The pergola construction also features Belgard’s Weston Stone pavers. This enabled us to install the posts for the pergola deep into the ground.  We added the pavers to create a pedestal for the posts. 

A new low maintenance deck with an updated design

Along with the addition of the pergola over the patio for shade,  Archadeck also updated the backyard deck design for these homeowners. The new deck increased the size and functionality  of the space by increasing the seating area and more room to enjoy grilling outdoors. 

The new deck was built using super low-maintenance Fiberon Good Life decking in the color Bungalow.  An updated railing was installed on the deck using black aluminum square railing with a Fiberon rail cap. 

North Macon Fiberon deck builder

Additionally, we changed the stair configuration  allowing the new stairs to spill into the patio and still access the basement below allowing for a right or left traffic flow option.

Archadeck of Central GA has the solution for your backyard woes!

The new updated design, shade solution and low-maintenance deck addition exceeds everything the homeowner had envisioned for this space.  At Archadeck of Central GA we go above and beyond to deliver a custom area that is sure to heighten enjoyment for many years to come!

Are you ready to start living the good life in your backyard? As your trusted deck and porch builder since 1991, look to us to design and build the outdoor space you have always wanted! Get in touch with us by calling 478-745-2000 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

 

Archadeck of Central GA, Deck builder, Pergola builder/contractor

An Aging Warner Robins GA Deck and Pergola Get a Much-Needed Upgrade

At Archadeck of Central Georgia, we often see decks, whose lifespans are over by years.  We understand that building a new deck to replace the old one might not be at the top of your home improvement list, but when it comes to a pergola that is damaging your home, it becomes top priority!

Warner Robins GA deck and pergola builders

These Warner Robbins homeowners’ wood deck was approximately 15 to 20 years old – not only beyond its lifespan, but poorly constructed from the start.  While we typically recommend homes with concrete slabs have a patio or hardscape outdoor living space, these homeowners really wished for a new deck.  Archadeck of Central Georgia was pleased to give them one.

We are your trusted Warner Robins GA deck builder

We built the new wood deck frame atop the exact footprint of the former deck, but we gave it one very important upgrade with TimberTech Terrain composite decking in Brown Oak.  The new composite deck will give these homeowners many years of low-maintenance use.  The deck railing is constructed of pressure treated wood with a TimberTech top rail cap.  We replaced the older, narrower steps with wider ones, using three decking boards, rather than two.

Replacing the little pergola that couldn’t

Warner Robins GA deck and pergola builders

Unfortunately for these Warner Robins homeowners, the existing wood pergola was attached to home’s fascia, minus flashing or any sort of water diversion.  Over the years, excessive water exposure rotted home’s soffit.  Archadeck of Central Georgia not only rid their home of the damaging structure, but we repaired the soffit and replaced the fascia.  When we built their new pressure treated wood pergola, we made it higher, allowing flashing to be installed atop the pergola beam and water to run over and off the beam.  To aid this gutter-less home further, we installed two water diverters above the door, so the water will run off at an angle.

See more pergolas by Archadeck of Central Georgia.

How is your deck holding up these days?

Archadeck of Central Georgia has been a trusted Warner Robins deck builder since 1991.  Deck failures account for more than 30 deaths in the United States each year.  If you believe your deck could be unsafe, please do not use it.  Call on us for a deck safety inspection!  Allow Archadeck of Central Georgia to determine the structural integrity of your deck and offer solutions if your deck is failing.

If your deck is beyond its shelf life, we are ready to offer a solution for your family’s safety and optimum usage. Archadeck of Central Georgia is the Macon and Warner Robins area’s premier outdoor structure builder. Give us a call today to schedule a design consultation at 478-745-2000 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

]Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr

Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

 

Archadeck of Central GA, Outdoor rooms builder/contractor, Pergola builder/contractor

This Byron, GA, pergola addition was the missing piece to this outdoor living puzzle

Our recent pergola addition in Byron, GA, was the missing link to this outdoor living puzzle. When we met with the homeowners they walked us through their existing outdoor living spaces. These consisted of a screened porch which led out to a concrete patio and served also as the walkway to their back gate.

Pergola-sidewalk-Byron GA
View of the new pergola addition over the backyard gate.

During the initial consultation, they expressed the need to reduce the amount of sun to their existing screened porch.  They also wanted a more proper sitting area for open-air outdoor living than just their concrete patio.  Last but certainly not least, they also wanted to define and unify their outdoor areas as a whole.

Existing concrete patio and gate before we began the project.

Archadeck of Central GA was able to come up with a pergola design and by perfecting the placement, we were able to address all the needs of these homeowners.

pergola-Warner Robins-Byron

The new wooden pergola was built as freestanding ties into the right side of the screened porch. The design is “beefy” enough that it serves as a visual anchor unifying the entire backyard space together. As you can see it also serves as a way to reduce the amount of sun entering the screened porch as well, making the porch cooler and more functional on sunny days.

pergola-Byron- Warner Robins

In addition to the pergola, we also installed a concrete walkway that extends from gate to gate through the backyard. Archadeck of Central GA will only take on small concrete projects such as this when it is part of the overall outdoor living project.

The homeowners are more than satisfied with the way the pergola meets their needs. They are planning on installing a ceiling fan in the pergola in the near future to add even more versatility. As you can see, this pergola was the missing piece to this Byron, GA, outdoor living puzzle that Archadeck of Central GA helped solve!

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

Need help solving your backyard puzzle?  Contact us today at (478) 745 – 2000 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

 

Pergola builder/contractor

Screen offers a fabulous alternative to shade

Macon-deck-pergola 750When it comes to summertime in the south, we make so many of our decisions based on the sun. It’s a powerful force in our lives. One of our customers had a large Macon pressure treated pine deck on the back of their home in an established subdivision. The underlying structure was sound and well built, but the sun ruthlessly beats down on it because it faces due south. The summer sun made the deck nearly unusable– both because it was so hot during the day and because it had dried, splintered, and cracked the boards and rails over the years.

We were thrilled to be able to design a project that enabled this customer to keep the existing structure of the 30’x10’ deck, saving a substantial amount of money. We laid new Fiberon PVC deck boards to better stand up to the sun’s punishing rays and allow the owners to avoid having to do regular staining and maintenance. Pergola-Macon-Deck-Sun screen 750They chose to use Sandstone, a nice, neutral color that will hide dirt and look good with any furniture they purchase in the future.

After we dealt with protecting the deck from the sun, it was on to helping out the people who wanted to enjoy sitting on the deck. The customers liked the idea of having a pergola, but a standard Macon pergola would not offer enough shade for a full southern exposure. We asked if they had considered putting a sunscreen on top of the pergola. The screen, a product produced by Phifer, offers protection from over 80% of UV light. This makes the entire porch considerably cooler and decreases the need for skin protection like hats or sunscreen.

Macon-Pergola-Sun screen lrYou can see from the photos the fabulous results. The screen is dark, but you can see through it. It provides shade, but still allows for some sunlight and plenty of airflow. We also mounted two ceiling fans under the pergola to get the air really moving when Mother Nature gives us an oppressively hot and muggy day. The addition of this pergola has been a life-changer for our customers. It didn’t just take something old and make it new; it took a largely useless space and made it a vibrant part of their daily lives.

For the finishing touches, we added black Fortress Iron pickets to better allow them to see the yard and give them another low maintenance element. We put a gate on each end to keep the dogs in their place. And, before we decked it, we put a new edge band around the outside to make everything look clean and fresh.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lrIf you are considering creating a great new outdoor living space for your Macon/Warner Robins area back yard, or if you want to give a fresh new look to your existing pool area, give us a call for a free consultation. We will work to identify the best structures and materials to create the perfect outdoor living space just for you. Call: (478) 745 – 2000. Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

 

Low maintenace decks, Pergola builder/contractor, Poolside outdoor spaces

How this small outdoor living structure in project in Perry GA evolved into a backyard paradise

View from Perry GA composite deck looking into poolhouse pavilion
View from deck and pergola looking across to the pool house in Perry, GA.

Our focus project this week breathes fresh air into this Perry, GA backyard. When we initially met with the homeowners they had a deck leading to their pool and the deck was in really bad shape. The pressure-treated wood deck had not been maintained and was showing signs of age and exposure to the elements through excessive splintering and warping.

The homeowners conveyed  to us their wish for a composite deck during our initial consultation. Since their tired wood deck was splintering, they did not want to have to deal with splinters ever again.  Our original game plan was to replace the deck in low-maintenance composite decking, but as we started talking with the homeowner the backyard design began to evolve. In addition to the deck, Archadeck of Central GA also added a lovely pergola above the entire area where the existing deck was. We also opened up the area using the existing footprint of the old deck and created a welcoming space where people could sit on the steps, with more seating area where onlookers could face the pool from the deck. The design grew even further into adding another, additional side deck that is not covered under the pergola.

Perry GA low maintenance deck builder
Low maintenance double decks in Perry, GA. Notice the elegant Chippendale style railing.
Chippendale pattern on Perry GA deck rail reflects the homeowners Chippendale-backed swing
Chippendale pattern on Perry, GA deck rail matches the homeowners Chippendale-backed swing!

Both decks were built with gray composite decking that makes maintenance a breeze for the homeowners. We used an elegant Chippendale style railing motif which mimics the motif found on the back of the homeowner’s swing, which we hung for them while we were there as well. By adding benches below the Chippendale portions of the rail, the homeowner innovatively created the look of bench seats facing the pool surround too

Before even nearing half completion of the decks, the homeowner approached us with a vision of adding a pool house directly across from the deck. Archadeck of Central Georgia immediately began designing a pool house to place at the end of the homeowner’s pool, directly across from the new decks. The design encompasses the style of a poolside pavilion with its large roof and functional utility closet and restroom. The pool house is highly functional and adds loads of charm to the entire backyard with the half-enclosed, half-open stucco and brick design.The pool house also includes a small outdoor kitchen area. To balance the new outdoor living space we built columns surrounding  the pool house and around the pool. In addition, we put the homeowner’s in touch with a fence company that could add fencing to the columns surrounding the space for added safety.

Perry GA double deck and pergola combination
Side view of this double deck and pergola combination in Perry, Ga.

This project began as a small outdoor living endeavor and became a backyard paradise due to the union of an experienced, likeable and trustworthy builder with homeowners who had great vision for the way they wanted to live outdoors. Archadeck of Central GA is impressed with the way the project evolved into the outdoor oasis the homeowners now enjoy.

Archadeck of Central Georgia urges you to dream big when it comes to turning your backyard into the space you have always wanted. You can learn more about all of our breathtaking outdoor spaces by contacting Archadeck of Central GA today at (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

You can see more examples of outdoor living combinations that deliver maximum function and beauty by visiting our deck photo galleries,  porch photo galleries and our pergola and trellis photo gallery located on our website.

Deck builder, Decks, Pergola builder/contractor

This East Macon deck and pergola addition is nothing short of an outdoor oasis from every angle!

Multi-angled deck and pergola in Nottingham by Archadeck of Central GA
Our recent deck and pergola addition in east Macon is built with a keen eye towards preserving the holistic nature of this home’s architecture.

This deck and pergola project takes us to the Nottingham community located on the East side of Macon. This area of Central GA lends itself to the very roots of Macon, and carries an air of nostalgia amid the mature landscapes and prominence of the homes located there. This particular home was built in the Frank Lloyd Wright style architecture which is based on designing structures in harmony with humanity and their environment. This is a philosophy Wright called organic architecture. This home is a prime example of combining the home with the outdoors as the surrounding property and the residence unite elegantly as one.

Nottingham East Macon GA deck and pergola project by Archadeck of Central GA
This bi-level deck design allows the decks to flow harmoniously into one another and also provides space for separate living and dining areas.

Our goal was to emphasize this union with a new deck and pergola addition for this home. The homeowner’s existing deck was showing signs of age and exposure to the weather. We began the project by tearing down the old deck so as to have a blank canvas to build a new outdoor living masterpiece. We built the new deck from pressure treated pine and later the homeowners applied a solid sealer. The homeowner also wanted the new deck design to emphasize varied angles and shapes as they did not want a typical square-shaped deck. The design we decided upon includes two decks built at two different levels. This bi-level design allows the decks to flow harmoniously into one another and also provides ample space for separate living and dining areas. The living area of the deck provides convenient access to the interior of the home to make entertaining on the new deck a breeze.

Nottingham in Macon unique pergola and deck by Archadeck of Central GA
The day we photographed the space, the pergola had just been painted with red to make the pergola stand out among the lush landscape.

Within the living area of the deck, we also built a stunning wooden pergola. The pergola design is influenced by the same cues set forth by the home’s architecture and the free-flowing nature of the deck. The day we photographed the space, the pergola had just been painted with red to make the pergola stand out among the lush landscape and in keeping with the red hue used on the French doors that provide access between the deck and house.

Lush bi-level deck and pergola in Macon GA
Notice how the bi-level design allows ample space for both dining and relaxing.

These Nottingham homeowners are elated with their new outdoor living space and are looking forward to many years of organically inspired outdoor living enjoyment on their new deck. In fact, they were so happy with the outcome of the design that upon completion they referred their daughter to us for an outdoor living project she had in mind. We recently finished her project and will feature it here soon.

Archadeck of Central GA wants to remind you to think outside the box when it comes to inspiration for your new outdoor living space. Building on your style and individual taste is often the key to the success and enjoyment of your new area. There are no strict rules of design when it comes to an outdoor living space addition. If you have a specific style or placement location in mind for your anticipated deck or pergola, don’t be afraid to go with it. We are happy to give ideas and suggestions from what we’ve seen that works with our other clients.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

To learn more about our unique custom outdoor living space designs, contact Archadeck of Central GA today, the consultation is free, but the rewards are priceless – (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Please visit our wood decks photo gallery and our pergola and trellis photo gallery located on our website  for more unique examples of deck and pergola combination designs.

 

 

Outdoor rooms builder/contractor, Pergola builder/contractor, Sunrooms and outdoor rooms

This Warner Robins sunroom turns out being more than these homeowners had ever hoped for in terms of value and design

Warner Robin GA sunroom builders
This project in Warner Robins includes a sunroom, patio and pergola.

These Warner Robins homeowners have a zest for outdoor living. Their large beautiful lot includes a serene backyard pond. The only downfall to having the pond is the number of mosquitoes it brings into the yard. With this in mind, these Warner Robins homeowners decided to add a screened porch overlooking the pond. The family decided that maybe they would benefit more from a sunroom because they wanted air conditioning and the other amenities that a screen porch could not provide. Once they confirmed their decision to add a sunroom addition, they began the contractor search. They reviewed the project with different builders for almost two years before contacting us for a consultation.

View from inside Warner Robin GA sunroom
The sunroom was built using large insulated sliding glass windows for comfort and convenience within the space. Notice the scenic view of the backyard pond visible through the large windows.

When contacting us, they shared the quote they were given to build the project. During our consultation I realized that the quote was way out of line being almost twice what we thought it would be. After we began discussing what they wanted, which was actually quite modest in comparison, we were able to quote a sunroom and pergola addition with an adjoining concrete patio for less than half of what the other guy quoted for the sunroom alone.

The sunroom was built using large insulated sliding glass windows for comfort and convenience within the space. The homeowner has the ability to slide the panels where the windows are 75% open so the space can function as a porch. They can also close the panels and run the A/C and heat at their discretion. There is a wall unit A/C unit and a radiator to provide constant comfort control within the space year round.

One thing is important to know about heating and air. People sometimes assume they can just tie a sunroom or interior room addition into their existing unit with no repercussions. This rarely bodes well as A/C units are designed for the square footage of the area they are serving. If the A/C unit is too large for the square footage it will cycle on and off too often causing wear on the unit leading to damage to the compressor. On the flip side if the A/C unit is not large enough it will run all the time in an effort to “keep up” and most likely just quit working way before its’ expected lifespan. So unless the HVAC unit is designed to take on another room, it is best to use a freestanding unit or alternate heating and cooling source for a new sunroom or room addition.

Warner Robins sunroom interior ceiling details
The bead board ceiling of the sunroom has since been stained.

The sunroom interior features a bead board ceiling and walls. Bead board does not dramatically expand and contract as it doesn’t hold moisture like drywall and other interior finish mediums so there is no worry of damage from temperature changes. The homeowner is planning on painting the bead board walls and staining the ceiling of the sunroom. They also plan on installing a ceramic tile floor. It’s not uncommon for us to leave painting and flooring to the homeowner. The price we would would get from a subcontractor would likely be the same that the homeowner would get. We let our clients know that so they can contract the finish painting and tiling themselves if they desire.

In designing the new sunroom, patio and pergola space Archadeck of Central GA introduced fun shapes into the design to break up the monotony of everything being linear and square. This adds to the harmony of the space and adds tons of visual interest too!

Macon Warner sunroom by Archadeck of Central GA
Finishing up the new sunroom, patio and pergola space Archadeck of Central GA introduced fun shapes into the design to break up the monotony of everything being linear and square.

The design of an outdoor space is what controls the price point. If you dramatically change the size of your intended space, that will influence the cost. However, project changes don’t always cause an increased price. Dimensional changes like making up some of the size in length rather than width can actually drive the price down instead of up. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of consulting with a professional outdoor structure builder. Here at Archadeck of Central GA we understand all the construction, design and material costs involved in a project. Taking advantage of our free design consultation will give you, and us, a better grasp of the space that meets your needs and wants. It is always better to have a custom design that takes your functional needs, aesthetic needs and budget into account rather than opting for a “cookie cutter” outdoor design that could actually end up costing you more.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Remember that no two outdoor living spaces are created equal. Hiring a specialist can actually help keep the prices lower enabling a more suitable design for your individual needs. If you are ready to learn more about how we can enhance your outdoor living experience and stay within your budget, contact Archadeck of Central GA today (478) 745 – 2000, Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of our versatile, high quality outdoor rooms and pergolas by visiting our sunrooms photo gallery and our pergolas photo gallery located on our website.

 

 

Deck builder, Pergola builder/contractor

Archadeck of Central GA answers the question of how low can you go with this low to grade deck and pergola combination project

design for new deck pergola Macon GAOur feature story this week is a  newly completed deck and pergola project in Central Georgia that is anything but ordinary. This particular deck is what we refer to as ultra low grade. This means the deck itself sits less than one foot off the ground. The completed project includes a pressure-treated deck with standard pressure treated railings. The railing also includes a custom gate to ensure the homeowner’s small kids stay on the deck and their dog stays off. We also built a stunning pergola over the top of the deck for shade and beauty. The pergola is built in a traditional style with pressure treated wood as well. The pergola provides shape and dimension to the deck and makes the perfect place for the homeowners to hang a ceiling fan.

In scenarios such as this, we usually prefer to build a paver patio in lieu of a deck because of the close proximity of the structure to the ground. Sometimes building a deck this low to grade can present issues because the lack of required space below the decking boards required for ventilation. Many times this absence of space will cause the decking planks to cup. Often, moisture that occurs naturally in every landscape will cause the deck to stay wet on the bottom. This moisture is usually not an issue because there is generally enough space under the deck to allow adequate ventilation and air flow ensuring the decking boards dry out appropriately. In the case of ultra low-to-grade decks, the bottom is more likely to remain wet and swollen for long periods while the top of the same board will dry and shrink. This opposite action on the same board will cause it to cup.

Low to grade Deck Macon GAIn most situations we prefer a distance of 16″ below the deck. There are some PVC decking boards on the market that don’t require this However, in our experience the best way to prevent cupping is to use a pressure treated wax injected wooden decking boards. This wax is the same as pre-treating your deck so the deck will not require sealing  for a few years. However, the sun will degrade the wax over time and the deck will have to be sealed annually after that.”  In this project, as with many of our low-to grade-deck designs, the bottom of the deck will be protected because this area will never have contact with the sun and the wax will never be burnt off. The only other instance when Archadeck of Central GA recommends using this product is when the customer is interested in selling their home in the new few years. This product ensures the homeowner’s will not have to perform any additional maintenance prior to moving.

The homeowners are very happy with their finished deck and pergola. The low-to-grade design adds a unique character to the rear of the home. These clients are looking forward to the outdoor living season and the opportunity to spend cherished family time on their new deck in the years to follow.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you have a unique deck design in mind and are uncertain of how your idea will look or function in your landscape, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia. Our expert design experience and realistic renderings can help you determine if the outdoor space you have in mind is the best fit for your existing home and landscape. Call us today for a free design consultation at (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Please visit our wood decks photo gallery and our composite and PVC decks photo gallery for more examples of our deck designs.

Pergola builder/contractor

A Central Georgia pergola adds just the right amount of personality and panache to any outdoor space

Paver patio in Macon GA
This paver patio and pergola combination in Macon, GA is a good example of the shade a pergola can provide in a sunny spot.

Whether you call it a pergola, a trellis or even an arbor; this outdoor structure is so much more than just another pretty face. No one can deny the beauty and presence a pergola can add to a backyard space. A pergola addition can add definition to an area but can also provide much needed shade.  A well-designed and well-placed pergola addition can add just the right amount of shade to an adjacent interior space. One of the benefits of a pergola is a reduction in cooling costs to an adjacent room based on the degree of sun protection your pergola provides. Although it can reduce the direct sun, it often still allows light to the adjacent room.

Statham's landing pergola in Warner Robins GA
This pergola design in Statham’s Landing shows a fiberglass column and wood combination construction.

Typically the most common material used for pergola construction is wood. But, there are also a wide range of different materials that can be used including low maintenance materials. Our customers often prefer real wooden pergola construction either opting for pressure treated pine or rough hewn Cypress. One popular request is a cypress pergola with a wide spacing between the joists and lathes. This gives the pergola a more rustic appeal. If formal is more your taste, we can combine fiberglass columns along with wood for the top of your pergola.

In terms of coatings, if you use wood, we can use a solid sealer for a more formal look or a clear sealer to allow the natural graining of the wood to show through.  Another viable option, especially in commercial pergola construction, is the use of vinyl and aluminum. The only drawbacks to using these materials are the price point and certain size limitations.

Central GA side entrance pergola
This stunning Cypress pergola gives the side entrance to this Central GA tons of personality.

Typical pergola construction consists of beams, joists and lathes which comprise a three layered design. In some cases we install a second layer of joists to deliver a four layer design. We may also install a denser layer of lathe to give the pergola a more masculine look. The distance between the joists and lathe can make a huge difference in the design of your pergola and the shade value and the aesthetic you are seeking to achieve. In pressure treated pergola designs we always advise installing the lathes closer together because over time pressure treated wood can warp. Closer lathe placement will help overcome this problem. Rounding out your pergola design can include decorative cuts such as ogee ends, or a 45 degree cut. These details may seem small but they influence your completed pergola aesthetics immensely.

Never forget the direction of the sun in conjunction with your home and placement of your anticipated pergola design. The back of your house may receive too much sun making it unbearable to enjoy during certain times of the day. With this in mind, we can design a pergola to block a percentage of the sun. For more sun protection, we can add an extra layer atop your pergola to add more shade. One such option is using a sun screen. We’ve had tremendous success with sun shades by Phifer. We work in conjunction with Encore design and construction on all of our sun shade installations. One of the biggest benefits of having a pergola is being able to mount an outdoor-rated ceiling fan. Not only does the addition of the ceiling fan aid in air circulation within your pergola it also helps cool the space on those hot Georgia afternoons!

Pergola Macon
This pergola in North Macon makes a grand entrance complete with Roman columns and Corinthian caps. The structure above and around the columns is cypress.

 

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about the perfect outdoor space and companion – the pergola. Call us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

You can see more inspiring images of pergolas in many backyard settings by visiting our pergola and trellis photo gallery and our patio and hardscapes photo gallery located on our website.